Is Potassium Lactate Vegan?

Potassium lactate is a potassium salt of lactic acid, commonly used as a preservative and acidity regulator in food products. It is known by the food additive code E326 and is used to enhance the shelf life and safety of foods by reducing their pH and inhibiting the growth of harmful microorganisms. Lactic acid, from which potassium lactate is derived, can originate from either plant-based or animal-based sources, making it important for vegans to verify its origin when purchasing products containing this additive.